Vuzix iWear Headphones VR Are Now Available For Shipping

Those looking to give the gift of hands-free virtual reality experiences this holiday now have another headset option to pick up. The video eyewear and smart glasses manufacturer Vuzix announced on Friday the consumer release of its mutli-platform iWear Video Headphones with VR support are now available for shipping.

The iWear Video Headphones were first unveiled in January 2015 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where it won four awards. The company then shipped the first orders of its VR goggles to developers back in October.

Vuzix began shipping out orders to consumers who preordered the headset last week, with new orders planned to be shipped according to the terms and conditions on its website at the time of order.

Vuzix's iWear Video Headphones consist of a visor and headphones body that slip on over the head. They have a lightweight and seek design, and the top band can be adjusted for further comfort.

The device has dual 1280 by 720 displays with a field of view equivalent to a 130-inch home theater screen viewed from 10 feet away. The iWear Video Headphones support HDMI inputs, so users can connect the goggles to their 3D Blu-ray player, tablets, PC, console system or mobile phone.

The headphones allow for 2D, 3D and virtual reality for enhanced movie watching or gaming experiences. On the gaming side, the headphones are equipped with an integrated tracker that tracks head orientation and movement so that the virtual world moves naturally with the user in real-time. The headphones also support the Unreal game engine, so users can take advantage of playing the various titles that are already released and with which the goggles are compatible.

"The iWear Video Headphones reflect our pursuit of providing one of the best entertainment and gaming experiences that users can find. Its portability and compatibility allow people to enjoy their video headphones on almost any platform," Paul Travers, president and CEO of Vuzix, said in a press release. "Whether it's a gaming console, iPhone, VR application, computer or even drones, with the appropriate receiver, the user can just plug the iWear in and enhance their gaming or entertainment experience. It also makes the perfect gift."

The iWear Video Headphones retail for $499.99, and are available to order from the company's website and Amazon. The website reveals that consumers should allow for two to five business days for orders to be processed. Those who place an order on Amazon today have an estimated shipping date of between Dec. 18 and 23, just in time for the holidays.